Episode 32: On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts

Thomas DeQuincy first wrote this week’s titular essay “On Murder Considered as one of the Fine Arts” in 1827 as satire, but after almost two centuries; it seems old Tom may have been the herald of a genuine cultural phenomenon. There are several well documented cases of quasi-intellectual criminals claiming literature, art or music made them do it. Excluding the persistent worries of each generation of parents that some new form of mass media is brainwashing their precious youngsters, the claims that high culture inspires some to express themselves violently may actually hold some water. Conversely, plenty of heinous acts of violence have inspired artists to create well respected works. So, what’s the connection? How do art and murder inspire one another? Join us this week as we explore the urban legend, ‘The Suicide Painting’ and unravel surreal connections between high art and the infamous Black Dahlia murder.